General Information

Share your insights, gather valuable information on current issues and learn more about industry trends at this annual two day event designed for mid-to senior-level underwriters, managers, and executives. With informative presentations from insurance industry experts and consultants, numerous networking opportunities, and easy access to commercial lines service providers, you don’t want to miss this leading industry event.

We specifically develop our educational programming with our members in mind. NAMIC is comprised of a diverse membership and there are a variety of events to meet your needs

“Overall, the Commercial Lines Seminar was an amazing educational and networking opportunity. I made several connections to industry peers that I would not have otherwise had the opportunity to meet, while at the same time, I was able to bring back additional knowledge that will prove to be valuable to my organization.”

Seminar Registration Fees

Registrations recieved on or before Saturday, January 3, 2015 are applicable to receive the early bird discount.

On or before
January 3

January 4
and later

Member

$675

$775

Non Member

$875

$975

Sponsor

$675

$775

Member - Multiple Attendee Discount*

$600

N/A

Combo Registration for Commercial Lines and Personal Lines Seminar**

$1225

$1425

Optional Workshop: March 4

$350

$400

Optional Activity: Comedy Show

$50

$50

*Available for member early registrations with 4+ attendees from the same company registering for the event. Attendee 1-3 must pay the regular member price of $675. Registrants 4+ will get the rate of $600.

**Non-transferrable at any time and non-refundable after February 4, 2015.

First Time Attendees

We want to know if this is your first time to participate in the NAMIC Commercial Lines Seminar. We would like to get to know you and provide you with some valuable networking opportunities. Don't be shy, please indicate on your registration form if you are a first-time attendee. We are excited to meet you!

Registration Confirmation

You will receive a detailed e-mail confirmation upon successful completion of the registration process for this event; please make sure to enter a valid e-mail address on the registration form. If you have any questions regarding your registration, please e-mail registrar@namic.org or call (800) 336-2642.

Registration Cancellations

All registration cancellations and transfers MUST be made in writing. Cancellations received on or before February 4, 2015 are 100 percent refundable. After February 4, 2015, a $25 processing fee will be deducted. Refunds will be issued within 15 business days after receipt of the cancellation notice. No refunds are available after February 11, 2015, so please plan accordingly. You may substitute a participant at no additional charge. Please forward all requests to registrar@namic.org or fax (317) 876-6213. Please note: Optional Dinners/Activities follow the NAMIC Cancellation Policy. Cancelling a seminar registration with NAMIC does not cancel a hotel reservation.

Accommodations

In accordance with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we invite all registrants to advise us of any disability and any requests for accommodation to that disability. Please submit your request as far as possible in advance of the program.

What to Wear

The suggested attire for this meeting is business casual.

Questions?

If you have any questions regarding your registration, e-mail registrar@namic.org or call (800) 336-2642, ext. 1061. If you have any questions regarding the seminar, e-mail chassett@namic.org or call (800) 336-2642 ext. 1007.

Seminar Agenda

“This was my first NAMIC conference experience. I thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed the quality of speakers and variety of presentations available. There were a few sessions that I simply couldn't work into my schedule (two of interest at one time), so I'm definitely looking forward to returning in the future.”

Optional Workshop: Product Development This interactive workshop taught by Ty Sagalow, the former president of product development at AIG and chief innovation officer of Zurich North America, will provide practical tools and insights on the insurance product development process.

Attendees will learn skills to create an efficient, economic product development process that will enable their companies to find, evaluate, develop, and launch new insurance products and services in a timely manner.

This workshop will focus on:

Why product development is essential to company growth and profitability;

How to develop and maintain a “culture of creativity;” and

The best practices in product development process, including:

How to draft new-to-the-market policy forms and underwriting guidelines;

How to create collaboration and partnerships with your internal clients; and

How to create senior management buy in … and what to ask from them in return.

The session will include a hands-on role play where participates will implement what they have learned in the workshop and “pitch” a new product idea.

Ty Sagalow
President
Innovation Insurance Group
New York, N.Y.

1:00 – 6:30 p.m.

Sponsor ShowcaseThe Sponsorship Showcase is open throughout the seminar to provide convenient access to service providers and industry solutions experts.

Participate in the Sponsor Showcase Passport Game and Scavenger Hunt to win great prizes!

1:00 – 2:15 p.m.

Keynote Address: Outlook on the Industry The always-informative and thought-provoking Robert Hartwig, Ph.D., CPCU, president of the Insurance Information Institute, is back by popular demand to deliver the keynote address on the outlook for the property/casualty insurance industry. He will focus on trends, challenges, and opportunities in the commercial lines space. His presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the industry and give insight on what has happened during the past year as well as what might be in store for the year ahead.

Networking BreakStay energized and refreshed while networking with fellow attendees at the seminar.

2:35 – 3:00 p.m.

General Session: A Lesson in Leadership - Manage Your Energy, Not Just Your Time Time is finite; energy is not. Energy can be increased exponentially. During this power-packed session, learn how to focus on managing your energy sources: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Joelle Hadley, founder and president of The Culture Coaches, will share examples of energy drainers and energy builders in each energy source and provide insight to help you better manage your energy and be a more effective leader as a result.

Joelle HadleyFounder and President
The Culture Coaches
Phoenix, Ariz.

3:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Networking Break Stay energized and refreshed while networking with fellow attendees at the seminar.

Free Time Attendees can use this time to freshen up in their room, check email, or unwind, prior to the start of the Networking Reception.

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Networking Reception Make the most of your seminar experience and enjoy some delicious food and drinks and friendly conversation with fellow commercial lines professionals. A local musician will be featured as the fun soundtrack to your conversation.

6:30 p.m.

Optional Activity: Meet to Eat Interested in gathering for dinner and friendly discussion with fellow attendees? Make plans to Meet to Eat. Choose between small plates at Emilio's Tapas or old-world Italian at Volare, both of which are within walking distance of the Chicago Marriott Magnificent Mile. Groups will gather in the hotel lobby at 6:30 p.m. and take a shuttle bus to their selected location. Each individual will be responsible for his or her own bill at the conclusion of dinner, which may include an automatic gratuity.

Sign up for Meet to Eat on the Concurrent Session Survey that will be sent approximately one month before the event or on site at registration.

6:30 p.m.

Seminar Adjourns for the Day

Thursday, March 5, 2015

7:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Registration

7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

BreakfastEnjoy a hot breakfast buffet, grab a cup of coffee, and connect with fellow attendees before the start of sessions.

8:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Sponsor ShowcaseThe Sponsorship Showcase is open throughout the seminar to provide convenient access to service providers and industry solutions experts.

Participate in the Sponsor Showcase Passport Game and Scavenger Hunt to win great prizes!

8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Concurrent Sessions

D&O/EPLI for Private & Nonprofit Entities This session will review the state of the market for management liability coverages, including what’s hot and how to understand and negotiate key coverage enhancements. It will also provide an overview of the most commonly requested and debated coverage issues that tend to influence buying decisions.

Underwriting & Loss Control – Working Together Effectively Loss control and underwriting professionals sometimes operate in silos, but working together to reach consensus benefits insureds and underwriting and loss control departments. This case-study session will focus on how one company collaboratively approaches the effort for the benefit of all. While CUNA Mutual’s business is focused on credit unions, the session will focus on best practices and lessons learned that can be applied to all companies.

Data Modeling – What an Underwriter Should Know This session will provide insights to underwriters on how data is being used in modeling and how to identify the issues they should discuss with modelers to ensure accurate, quality models. It will explore the types of questions underwriters should ask, provide insight on the information that needs to be given to modelers, and help clarify the goals for discussion around data so underwriters can better understand the models and modelers can gain critical insight into the biases that are a result of the underwriting process.

By gaining insight on this process, both modelers and underwriters can better understand the model output and more effectively use data.

Idea Lab Session: Meetings Schmeetings Most of us run meetings the way we have experienced them: bad, boring, and bothersome. But, when executed effectively, meetings have the potential to be the most important way for individuals to share, create, align, dialogue, and decide; not to mention a chance to inspire and build morale. Now is the time to shift the “M-word” paradigm and break the cycle of bad meetings.

During this session, attendees will learn:

How to shift the meeting paradigm;

The six types of meetings;

Common meeting dysfunctions and how to avoid them;

The importance of conflict; and

Meeting rules of engagement.

Attendees of this session will walk away with a new perspective, a successful meetings toolkit, and a new energy regarding meetings.

Joelle Hadley Founder and President
The Culture Coaches
Phoenix, Ariz.

9:30 – 9:50 a.m.

Networking BreakStay energized and refreshed while networking with fellow attendees at the seminar.

This session delves into coverage gaps that are created when a personally owned auto is improperly scheduled on the BAC. The underwriting questions that must be asked, the steps that must be taken before allowing a personally owned auto to be scheduled on a BAC, and the proper endorsements to use will be discussed.

Underwriting Lessons Learned From Property Losses In this informative session, Alan Gregory, an attorney with Gregory and Meyer, P.C., will identify and examine common property claims coverage issues that arise from underwriting practices and procedures. In particular, the limits of the information provided on a commercial property insurance application submission will be explored along with methods to refine and clarify the data needed for informed underwriting decisions and acceptance of the risk.

Alan G. Gregory
Attorney
Gregory and Meyer, P.C.
Troy, Mich.

Underwriting File Audit Best Practices This session will provide a treaty reinsurer and a primary company perspective on file review best practices. Karen Meyer, senior vice president for Gen Re, will delve into issues that can impact the price and terms a reinsurer charges a primary carrier for treaty protection. Those issues include management competence and direction, risk appetite, pricing integrity, geographical reach, and more.
Steve Wilda , director of commercial underwriting training for SECURA, will share insights on carrier best practices, including which accounts to review, how to identify which staff members should conduct the review, how to develop training topics from the reviews, and lessons learned. The session will conclude with suggestions for how the primary insurance carrier can improve its overall file review process.

Emerging Risks & the Role of Insurance In this session, Gerard Finley, CPCU, senior vice president of casualty treaty underwriting for Munich Reinsurance America, Inc., will define emerging risks from several perspectives and discuss the importance of those risks to the insurance industry. The central focus of the session will be the role and importance of the insurance industry to society and the economy with regard to managing the financial impact of new risks. Examples of past and current emerging risks will be used to highlight key points.

Idea Lab Session: Feedback & Coach Forward The majority of managers have good intentions for engaging and coaching their employees, yet few are successfully serving in that role. In today’s work environment, it’s harder than ever for managers to find the time to support employee performance and development. The hard truth is that the day-to-day pace of business leaves most managers with little time and energy for engaging the people who report to them.

This reality-based, highly interactive experience will help attendees build upon their natural abilities by providing them with practical coaching techniques and strategies they can use to coach and engage employees. This facilitator-led session will focus on skill building and provide easy-to-implement tools to support managers as coaches.

Devon ScheefCo-founder
The Learning Café
Westlake Village, Calif.

10:50 – 11:10 a.m.

Networking BreakStay energized and refreshed while networking with fellow attendees at the seminar.

11:10 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

Write More Business Using Facultative Reinsurance Facultative reinsurance, or Fac, can have a narrow and negative reputation in the marketplace – many people think “If it needs Fac, we shouldn’t be writing it.” But Fac is a much more versatile and valuable tool than most people give it credit. This session will be a discussion of how Fac can be used to responsibly grow business and improve underwriting where it matters most.

Tim Dunn, CPCU, ARe
Vice President
Gen Re
Hartford, Conn.

Big Data in Action: The Impact of Commercial Property Building Codes in Today’s Natural Catastrophe Environment As insured property values increase insurers seek those risks that present the best opportunities for profit that can also withstand the numerous perils that Mother Nature throws at them. This session will review the emphasis on building codes and enforcement, keying in on the correlation with claims severity and providing insight into key drivers of code performance across the country. Zack Schmiesing, director of thought leadership with Verisk, will highlight those areas that have initiated strict code utilization and tell carriers how they can save money by identifying geographies with strong building codes.

Zack Schmiesing
Director of Thought Leadership
Verisk
Chicago, Ill.

Workers’ Compensation & Contractors: What is the Exposure? This session will provide clarity and insight on the tricky exposure of contractors when related to the workers’ compensation line of business. Presenter, Paul Braun, managing director at Aon Benfield, will discuss this complicated issue. He will first explore risk transfer and contract requirements, touching on independent contractors, subcontractors, excluded owners/officers, and third-party litigation. He will then dig into contractor-specific concerns, including auditing – risk classification, cash transactions – underreported payroll, and varied operations. He will wrap up the session by discussing measures to mitigate risk or loss and potential employers’ liability exposures for contractors.

Idea Lab Session: Meetings Schmeetings (repeat) Most of us run meetings the way we have experienced them: bad, boring, and bothersome. But, when executed effectively, meetings have the potential to be the most important way for individuals to share, create, align, dialogue, and decide; not to mention a chance to inspire and build morale. Now is the time to shift the “M-word” paradigm and break the cycle of bad meetings.

During this session, attendee will learn:

How to shift the meeting paradigm;

The six types of meetings;

Common meeting dysfunctions and how to avoid them;

The importance of conflict; and

Meeting rules of engagement.

Attendees of this session will walk away with a new perspective, a successful meetings toolkit, and a new energy regarding meetings.

Joelle Hadley Founder and President
The Culture Coaches
Phoenix, Ariz.

12:10 – 1:30 p.m.

Networking LunchEnjoy a hot lunch buffet and connect with fellow attendees during this extended lunch break.

12:45 – 1:30 p.m.

Dessert

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

Workers’ Compensation & Contractors: What is the Exposure? (repeat) This session will provide clarity and insight on the tricky exposure of contractors related to the workers’ compensation line of business. Presenter, Paul Braun, managing director at Aon Benfield, will discuss this complicated issue. He will first explore risk transfer and contract requirements, touching on independent contractors, subcontractors, excluded owners/officers, and third-party over litigation. He will then dig into contractor-specific concerns, including auditing – risk classification, cash transactions – underreported payroll, and varied operations. He will wrap up the session by discussing measures to mitigate risk or loss and potential employers’ liability exposures for contractors.

Paul Braun
Managing Director
Aon BenfieldLos Angeles, Calif.

Weather TrendsThere is no escaping the wild weather that shows up across various media in our technology-driven society. From recent events such as Hurricane Sandy and deadly tornadoes in the Midwest to extreme droughts, fires, and floods, it appears as if we are having more extreme weather events. Many in the insurance industry question if this is the “new normal.” This session will dive into the weather data to discuss the trends and their impacts on the insurance industry.

Professional Liability Issues This session will focus on the professional liability exposures facing Main Street commercial carriers. As the industry shifts into a more service-focused industry, exposures are changing and insureds increasingly have professional liability exposures.

This session will explore the changing landscape and the corresponding professional liability exposures for the technology industry, allied health, contractors, and other miscellaneous professions. Our speakers will highlight various ways carriers are dealing with these exposures.

Learning Objectives:

Review the gaps in standard general liability coverage and provide a basic review of professional liability coverage;

Review statistics that support the shifting U.S. economy into a service-based economy with focus on the technology industry, allied health, contractors, and the broad classes that fall into miscellaneous professional liability;

Review the basics of MPL, CPL, allied health and technology E&O with claims examples; and

Review at a very high level how carriers are dealing with these exposures.

CIO Panel Discussion Technology changes rapidly. The pressure to keep up with those changes and meet the growing needs of insurance companies can be difficult. Managing corporate-wide priorities, major system efforts, legacy system issues, straight-through processing, and data management and quality are just some of the challenges faced by chief information officers. This engaging panel discussion will explore a variety of these issues and provide insight from the CIO perspective. Panelists will share lessons learned, discuss the future of IT within the industry, and discuss opportunities and challenges associated with commercial lines insurance.

Idea Lab Session: Feedback & Coach Forward (repeat) The majority of managers have good intentions for engaging and coaching their employees, yet few are successfully serving in that role. In today’s work environment, it’s harder than ever for managers to find the time to support employee performance and development. The hard truth is that the day-to-day pace of business leaves most managers with little time and energy for engaging the people who report to them.

This reality-based, highly interactive experience will help attendees build upon their natural abilities by providing them with practical coaching techniques and strategies they can use to coach and engage employees. This facilitator-led session will focus on skill building and provide easy-to-implement tools to support managers as coaches.

Devon ScheefCo-founder
The Learning Café
Westlake Village, Calif.

2:30 – 2:45 p.m.

Networking BreakStay energized and refreshed while networking with fellow attendees at the seminar.

2:45 – 3:45 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

Evolving Trends in Liquor LiabilityThis session will address liquor-liability-related coverage in the context of the ISO commercial general liability and liquor liability coverage forms. During this session, attendees will look at liquor liability trends in various states related to additional insureds under a liquor liability policy. This session will focus on trends with respect to claims concerning allegations of negligence or other wrongdoing in the supervision, hiring, employment, training, or monitoring of others as well as the providing of – or failure to provide – transportation to a person under the influence of alcohol.

In addition, William P. Mauro, manager at ISO, will discuss revisions made to the ISO commercial general liability coverage form with respect to addressing liability coverage for an insured who permits alcohol to be brought on premises for the purpose of consumption on the premises – i.e. bring-your-own establishments. Lastly, this session will briefly touch upon liability issues related to the recreational use of another type of intoxicant – marijuana – and, specifically, the tie-in to liquor liability.

William P. MauroManager
ISO
Jersey City, N.J.

Data Liability & Breach Response – The Latest Information & Issues This session will kick off with an overview of the changes to state data breach laws. It will then dive deeper into changes in the regulatory environment, breach incidents and claims, and the latest on legal and forensics services and offerings. Kristen Dauphinais, head of office for Beazley Insurance Group, will conclude the session with an overview of the changes on the horizon.

Kristen Dauphinais
Head of Office
Beazley Insurance Group
Addison, Texas

Emerging Issues: Medical Marijuana & Drones This session will examine the implications of medical marijuana and the emerging use of drones as these topics relate to coverage for your insureds.

GerardDeneen
Vice President
Swiss Re
Schaumburg, Ill.

Anthony MorminoSenior Legal Counsel
Swiss Re
Schaumburg, Ill.

Risk Transfer for ContractorsFailure to develop strong contract risk transfer guidelines can cost you millions and, therefore, should be a primary concern of every underwriter analyzing contractor risks. If your insureds can be held vicariously liable for the actions of another party, you must set and, then, consistently apply CRT guidelines.

The main focus of this session is the “what” of CRT. Attendees will learn what makes a strong CRT program and what wording should be contained in the contract to assure that the financial burden is placed on the party at fault. You won’t want to miss this informative session and learn how to manage a strong CRT program.

Idea Lab Session: Product Development*
This fast-paced session will provide practical tools and insights on the insurance product development process. Attendees will learn skills to create an efficient, economic product development process that will enable their companies to find, evaluate, develop, and launch new insurance products and services in a timely manner.

*This will be an overview of the process that will be explored in depth during the optional workshop. The optional workshop on March 4 is suggested for a more in-depth discussion of product development.

Ty Sagalow
President
Innovation Insurance Group
New York, N.Y.

3:45 p.m.

Seminar adjourns for the day

5:00 p.m.

Optional Activity: Meet to Eat Interested in gathering for dinner and friendly discussion with fellow attendees? Make plans to Meet to Eat. Choose between small plates at Emilio's Tapas or old world Italian at Volare, both of which are within walking distance of the Chicago Marriott Magnificent Mile. Groups will gather in the hotel lobby at 5 p.m. and take a shuttle bus to their selected location. Each individual will be responsible for his or her own bill at the conclusion of dinner, which may include an automatic gratuity.

Sign up for Meet to Eat on the Concurrent Session Survey that will be sent approximately one month before the event or on site at registration.

7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Optional Activity: Comedy Show Share a laugh and relax with colleagues at ComedySportz. During this 90-minute improv comedy show, two teams create comedy scenes, songs and games right on the spot based on audience suggestions. Participants will meet in the hotel lobby at 6:45 p.m. and board a bus to ComedySportz. This cost of this activity will include transportation and tickets to the show. Space is limited, so be sure to add this activity to your registration today.

Friday, March 6, 2015

7:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Registration

7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

BreakfastEnjoy a hot breakfast buffet, grab a cup of coffee, and connect with fellow attendees before the start of sessions.

8:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Sponsor Showcase

8:30 – 9:15 a.m.

General Session: What's Happening in WashingtonJoin us for an overview of significant regulatory and legislative issues impacting the industry.

Networking BreakStay energized and refreshed while networking with fellow attendees at the seminar.

9:35 – 11:00 a.m.

Leadership through Emotional Intelligence In today’s fast-paced, competitive work environment, how effective are you as a leader? Emotional intelligence —our ability to manage ourselves and others around us—is the single greatest contributor to personal excellence and leadership.

In this presentation, participants will learn how to:

Develop and maintain the disciplines of spectacularly successful people;

Understand the science of the human brain and how it influences behavior;

Learn game-changing tools to manage, adapt, and strike out ahead of the competition;

Learn skills to deal with the emotions of others when there is tension and conflict; and

Reduce stress by learning the cure for fear as well as powerful insights of personal mastery.

Bobi SeredichPresident
EQ Inspirations, LLC
Phoenix, Ariz.

11:00 a.m.

Grand Prize Drawing/Seminar Concludes

Session Proposals

Interested in speaking at this seminar? Submit your session proposal to Crista Hassett.

Where to Stay

Encounter a renowned hotel on Chicago’s famed mag mile combining the epitome of luxury and convenience at the Marriott Downtown Chicago Magnificent Mile Hotel, a Windy City landmark on Michigan Avenue. Situated amongst world-class shopping and dining, this Chicago, Illinois hotel is in walking distance of top attractions, including Navy Pier, American Girl Place, Millennium Park, Theater and Museum Districts.

Revitalize body and mind in stylish Magnificent Mile hotel rooms and suites boasting flat screen TV's, deluxe bedding and ergonomic furnishings, or unwind at the Lobby Bar, a friendly urban oasis. Depart from the ordinary and discover one of the leading hotels on the Magnificent Mile that provides incomparable service and unprecedented style at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile Hotel.

Event Hotel Rate And Cut Off Date

Rate: $204.00 plus taxes per night for single/double occupancy.

Commercial Lines Seminar attendees are responsible for making their own travel and hotel arrangements NAMIC has contracted a room block for attendees at the Chicago Marriott Magnificent Mile. A set number of rooms are available at the group rate until February 2, 2015 or until the group block is sold out, whichever comes first. While NAMIC works hard to secure a sufficient number of rooms, we cannot guarantee rooms will be available. Please plan ahead and secure your reservation as soon as possible to receive the group rate. Refer to the NAMIC group rate when making your reservation at the hotel.

Please contact Julie Motyka if you encounter any problems with making hotel reservations.

Travel Information

The Chicago Marriott Magnificent Mile is located in downtown Chicago at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Grand Avenue. This convenient location is in the heart of Chicago's famous Magnificent Mile. For customized, door-to door driving directions, please click here or visit your preferred mapping website.

Convenient parking!

The Chicago Marriott Magnificent Mile offers valet parking for its guests at a rate of $61 per 24 hours with in and out privileges. There are also a variety of Self Park complexes in the area that offer a variety of rates. For a complete listing of self parking garages in the Chicago area, please visit www.chicagotraveler.com.

Ground Transportation

O'hare - The round trip shared van shuttle cost for one person traveling is approximately $54. A rate discount may be available for groups of two or more people, traveling to and from the same location at the same time. Airport Express tickets/ reservations can be made online at www.airportexpress.com. Tickets may also be purchased at O'Hare airport in the terminals at Door 1E, Door 2D, and Door 3E across from Baggage Claim on the Baggage Claim level. Reservations are recommended.

Midway - The round trip shared van shuttle cost for one person traveling is approximately $44. A rate discount may be available for groups of two ore more people, traveling to and from the same location at the same time. Airport Express tickets/ reservations can be made online at www.airportexpress.com. Tickets may also be purchased at the door three lower level ticket counter across from the Baggage Claim in Midway Airport. Reservations are recommended.

Area Attractions

While visiting the Windy City you will want to be sure to visit many of the area's local attractions. There's something for everyone in Chicago, whether you want to take in a show, listen to some fabulous Chicago Blues, shop until you drop, or just explore the city. Check out these links below for more information.

Notable Chicago Sites

Hancock ObservatoryCatch a bird's eye view of Chicago on the new Hancock Observatory. The spectacular view from the observatory can span 80 miles over four states on a clear day. Since the recent renovation, there are a variety of attractions including an audio sky tour and detailed history wall detailing the rise of the Hancock Building. The observatory is open daily.

Willis TowerWillis Tower is the premier corporate office building in Chicago, home to more than 100 companies including prominent law, insurance, transportation and financial services. The iconic building is the tallest in the Western Hemisphere, encompassing more than 4.5 million square feet, including its Skydeck and 103rd floor glass viewing platform, The Ledge, which attract more than 1.5 million visitors every year.

Navy PierNavy Pier is the place where all of Chicagoland and tourists from around the world have come together since 1995 to enjoy the beauty and thrills of a day on Lake Michigan. From rides to restaurants, exhibitions to entertainment, shopping to dining cruises and tour boats, Navy Pier has it all - in a location unlike any other!

Music Venues

Blue ChicagoEnjoy some live Blues music at nearby Blue Chicago. This famous club, and its sister club Blue Chicago on Clark, are just a short cab ride away from the Renaissance Chicago. These clubs offer one nightly admission fee to both venues so that you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

House of BluesLive entertainment is just a hop, skip and a jump away at The House of Blues. This famous venue hosts a variety of national musical acts on a daily basis. For those of you just interested in entertaining your taste buds, The House of Blues is also home to a restaurant that serves delta inspired southern cuisine in a laid back atmosphere.

Andy's Jazz Club and RestaurantIf your musical taste is geared more towards jazz, then you won't want to miss Andy's Jazz Club. For over 30 years, Andy's has presented the best jazz Chicago has to offer. One of the most respected establishments; historic Andy's offers casual dinning and live jazz on a daily basis, with sets in the late afternoon and into the evening.

Museums

Museum of Science & IndustryGet inspired and explore the great world of science at the Museum of Science and Industry. This fabulous museum is home to a variety of exhibits that appeal to children and adults of all ages. The museum also hosts an OMNIMAX theater that is an attraction of its own. The theater itself is a 72' dome that is approximately 5 stories tall and seats 342 guests. Seeing a movie at the OMNIMAX is quite an experience. Both the exhibits and movies at the museum change frequently, so check out the museum's web page for more detailed information regarding upcoming attractions.

Shedd AquariumTake the grand exploration of Shedd Aquarium. Shedd Aquarium boasts itself as the World's Aquarium. Opened in 1929, it is one of the oldest public Aquariums in the world. When you visit Shedd, you can experience environments from around the world. The Caribbean Coral Reefs, Amazon, and Pacific Rocky Coasts are just some of the exhibits you can explore. The Shedd Aquarium takes you closer to nature in some of the world's richest ecosystems.

The Art Institute of ChicagoThe Art Institute consistently ranks among Chicago's most-visited museums. From French Impressionist paintings to African masks to the new wing for Modern Art, the museum offers visitors a rich cultural experience.

The Field Museum of Natural HistoryThe Field Museum is probably best known for its dinosaur displays, but it also has a rich and deep dedication to "the diversity and relationships in nature and among cultures." It currently holds, conserves, studies more than 20 million objects, a collection which grew from holdings received after the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893.

Shopping

The Magnificent MileThe Magnificent Mile is a spectacular showcase of style, flavor, entertainment and fun. With more than 460 stores, 275 restaurants, 60 hotels and unique entertainment and attractions packed and stacked along its length, The Magnificent Mile has an indulgence for every passion and every pocket.

EATALYMario Batali’s and Joe Bastianich's 63,000-square-foot, two-level complex is an eight-restaurant "polpo," as well as a butcher, a produce market, and a grocery with imported olive oil, wine and pastas, as well as locally sourced products. There are also stations for Nutella, salumi, cheese, pizza, espresso and fresh breads and pastries. The Chicago location is only the second outpost in the United States. The original location, opened in 2007, continues to thrive in Turin, Italy, but the Chicago outpost is the largest to date.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Commercial Lines Seminar Background
This is a strategic seminar focused on underwriting operations and trends for senior underwriters and managers, product development specialists, and risk managers in Commercial Lines. It is an annual event that offers attendees the chance to learn, connect, and relax during informative and interactive educational sessions. With chances for networking, a sponsor showcase, and unique sponsorship options, industry vendors have the chance to reach an influential audience of commercial lines professionals.

For more information, contact Aaron Lifford, Sponsorship and Advertising Specialist at (800) 336-2642, ext. 1055 or at alifford@namic.org. If you would like to learn more about NAMIC's sponsorship and advertising program, please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

“The professional development gains were the most beneficial to me personally and there were many of them. I really enjoyed the round table discussions and even if I didn't get new ideas, it was validating to hear that my company isn't the only one struggling with certain issues.”

What is the suggested attire for business and social gatherings?Business casual attire is appropriate for all seminar sessions, receptions, and meal functions.

What registration payment options are available?The registration system accepts payment by credit card and by check.

Can I pay for multiple attendees from my company at the same time?Yes. After you have input the initial registration, click the button that says “Add Another Registration” until all attendees from your company are registered. You may then submit payment for all of the registrations in a single transaction.

When and how is registration confirmation sent? Confirmation is sent via email to the email address provided on your seminar registration. Confirmation will be sent via email immediately after you submit your credit card information online, or when payment is received by NAMIC if you choose to pay by check. If you are registering more than one person at a time, you will need to forward the confirmation email to each attendee.

Does my registration include a hotel reservation?No, you will need to contact the Chicago Marriott Magnificent Mile to make a room reservation. NAMIC has contracted a room block for attendees at the rate of $204 per room. A set number of rooms are available at the group rate until February 2, 2015 or until the group block is sold out, whichever comes first. While NAMIC studies past attendance trends and the needs of our members, we cannot guarantee rooms will be available. Please plan ahead and secure your reservation as soon as possible to receive the group rate. Refer to the NAMIC group rate when making your reservation at the hotel.

What does my registration include?Registration fees includes access to all seminar sessions*, speaker presentation materials, the seminar APP, the seminar attendee list, and NAMIC sponsored meal functions including the Networking Reception, daily breaks, breakfast on Thursday and Friday, and lunch on Thursday.

*Participation in the pre-seminar optional workshop on Wednesday morning requires an additional fee. More information is available on the registration information page.

How do I make my concurrent session selections?
You will receive an email with a link the to the commercial lines seminar concurrent session survey approximately one month in advance of the seminar. It will be sent to the email address provided on your seminar registration. A second mailing of the survey will be sent for those who have not responded, as well as for new registrants, approximately two weeks prior to the seminar. If you have not received the concurrent session survey within two weeks of the seminar, please check your spam folder for the email. If you are still unable to locate or access the email, or have additional questions about the concurrent session survey, please contact Stephanie Guagliardo.

A copy of your concurrent session selections will be included in the registration packet you receive on-site.